Posted: Mon Nov 25, 2013 3:53 am Post subject: How to right this ship in season

The Lions lost another game they shouldn't have on Sunday. As fans we are clearly frustrated and calling for the heads of the coaching staff. Unfortunately, they don't have the option of changing the coaching staff until after the season is over. However, there are things that can be changed today to help right the ship and make this season successful.

For starters, we have to understand this isn't a Superbowl quality team and we shouldn't expect them to make it to the dance this year. Most Lions fans would be happy with a division title and a playoff win. Both strong possibilities if the team can cut down on the stupid penalties and turnovers. Right now the players are doing exactly what they need to do and that's take responsibility for their mistakes. In case you haven't heard, the players (more so Reggie Bush) are calling for a team meeting. They are clearly shouldering the blame for the loss today and maybe this can help push them for their playoff run.

Another step in the right direction is finding a way to get more out of an under performing secondary. This unit is single-handedly killing the Lions chances at winning important games this season. It feels like every week the opposing team has a receiver go for 100 yards and catches a 50+ yard touchdown. If Aaron Rodgers plays this Thursday, it could really get ugly back there. They need to make some adjustments or help them out by being more aggressive and blitz more. The defensive line can only do so much.

The offense also has issues and they need to play mistake free football. As bad as the defense has played at times, they are often put into bad situations because of their offense. The defense played solid against Tampa and made up for a lot of the offense's mistakes, but the offense made one too many mistakes and lost the game. They also needed to stop going away from players after they get hot. For example, where was Nate in the second half yesterday? Why did Calvin get shutout in the second half against Pittsburgh? I don't know if it's Scott Linehan's play calling, opposing teams adjusting, or the players themselves, but they have to find ways to get their play makers the ball (outside of Calvin) more consistently.

tl;dr - The players need to take accountability for their stupid mistakes. The secondary needs to make more adjustments and the back seven should blitz more. The offense needs to find a way to keep feeding their play makers the ball more consistently so we don't have players disappear in the middle of games.

Not line up in Shot Gun at the 2 yard line and then try to pass the ball into an endzone with 11 players crowding it 3 consecutive plays

Just some thoughts.

I think it's a bit interesting that you don't have Calvin on there anywhere. Not only has he been dropping the ball lately, but his mistake against TB was game-ending.

In addition, Fauria isn't used frequently between the 20's because he lacks speed and struggles to create separation. Throwing high on a big target works when a misfire results in the ball landing out of bounds. Doing it between the 20's often leads to turnovers._________________

Not line up in Shot Gun at the 2 yard line and then try to pass the ball into an endzone with 11 players crowding it 3 consecutive plays

Just some thoughts.

I think it's a bit interesting that you don't have Calvin on there anywhere. Not only has he been dropping the ball lately, but his mistake against TB was game-ending.

In addition, Fauria isn't used frequently between the 20's because he lacks speed and struggles to create separation. Throwing high on a big target works when a misfire results in the ball landing out of bounds. Doing it between the 20's often leads to turnovers.

Agree on both points. Also Shotgun is a superior formation to any other and using that as a lack of success is very strange._________________Sig bet

Not line up in Shot Gun at the 2 yard line and then try to pass the ball into an endzone with 11 players crowding it 3 consecutive plays

If you're talking about at the end of the second half against Tampa? Because they only had like 17 seconds and no time outs. They were only limited to shot gun pass attempts at that point. If anything, they should of just lined Fauria on one side, Calvin on the other side, Pettigrew in the middle, and Bush in the backfield, then they could have altered the defense Tampa was playing during that series.

detroitroar wrote:

Run the ball more

This is something I agree with 100% and should have mentioned in my opening post. They do need to run the ball more, even when they are having success with the run they go away from it too often. The running game has been more consistent then the passing game this season, mostly due to the fact our entire passing game revolves around the success of one player where as the running game actually plays as a "unit."